Steyr Mannlicher’s SL40 Grenade Launcher for Aussie’s EF88 Rifle

Thales Australia has selected Steyr Mannlicher’s SL40 grenade launcher as its preferred choice for Thales’s new EF88 rifle currently under development for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). A new product from the Austrian company, the SL40 has been chosen by Thales after an extensive testing process. It has been designed to integrate seamlessly with all EF88 variants and can be fitted in seconds by soldiers in the field without any specialist tools, delivering tactical flexibility . . .

Thales is developing the EF88 rifle for Australia’s LAND 125 program, with an F90 export range complementing the offering. The SL40 will also be available as part of the Thales F90 offering.

In related news, Thales Australia is seeking Expressions of Interest from international companies for the provision of small arms accessories for an ongoing Australian Department of Defence procurement program.

Thales will commence small arms accessories product analysis and testing in early 2014 under its current Land 125 Ph3C contract. This will include a Request For Tender (RFT) process led by Thales in order to provide tender-quality information to the Department of Defence to aid them in their decision-making.

The primary area of focus is small arms surveillance and target acquisition system ancillaries for fitment to the EF88 weapon system.

The ancillary suite comprises several elements that can be fitted by means of the STANAG 4694 rail system and provide surveillance, target acquisition and point engagement by day and night. These elements should be compact, lightweight, simple and robust while delivering the required performance.

The new F1A1 ammo looks to me to be exactly like an M855 with the usage of the word “optimised” in multiple locations. The meplat, boat tail, propellant, and inside of the 5.56 have all been “optimised.” Whoopty-do. To penetrate steel, in 5.56, the M855A1 looks to be tops. The Mk 318 Mod 0 expands and penetrates nicely.

As far as a battle round, I’d much rather have a 300 BLK close in or a 6.8 SPC further out if I’m using a AR / Aug / Scar platform. The militaries of the world are quite taken with the 5.56.